Biryani Styles You’ll Find in Dubai
From the slow-cooked aromatics of Hyderabad to the subtle, potato-infused spice of Kolkata, biryani is far more than just a rice dish. Each regional style tells a story through its unique blend of spices, choice of grains, and ancestral cooking techniques
Hyderabadi Biryani
Known for its bold flavors and distinctive aroma from saffron, this style uses the “dum” cooking method where meat and rice are layered and slow-cooked in a sealed pot.
Lucknowi Biryani
Also called Awadhi biryani, this style is characterized by its subtle flavors, tender meat, and aromatic rice. The meat is partially cooked before being layered with rice.
Sindhi Biryani
This Pakistani-style biryani is known for its spicy profile, featuring potatoes along with meat and a distinctive tangy flavor from yogurt and spices.
Malabar Biryani
From Kerala, this coastal biryani uses short-grain Kaima rice and features a unique blend of spices with a slight sweetness from caramelized onions and raisins.
Memoni Biryani
This spicy variation uses less food coloring and more spices, creating a fiery flavor profile popular among those who enjoy heat in their dishes.
Bombay Biryani
A distinctive style featuring potatoes and a unique spice blend, often made with kewra water (screwpine essence) for a floral aroma.
The 15 Best Biryani in Dubai
We’ve scoured Dubai’s bustling streets and hidden gems to bring you the ultimate biryani guide. Each restaurant has been selected based on authenticity, flavor profile, value for money, and overall dining experience. From budget-friendly eateries to premium dining establishments, there’s something for every biryani lover on this list.
1. Pak Liyari
Location: Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Nahda
Specialty: Mutton Biryani with extra masala
A legendary spot in Dubai’s biryani scene, Pak Liyari has earned its reputation through consistently delivering authentic Pakistani-style biryani with bold flavors. Their mutton biryani, with tender meat and perfectly spiced rice, is the star attraction. The restaurant’s no-frills setting in bustling Meena Bazaar adds to its authentic charm.
Price: Budget-friendly (AED 45 for two people)
Ideal For: Authentic Pakistani biryani experience, casual dining
2. Jaffer Bhai’s
Location: Al Karama, Al Barsha
Specialty: Mumbai-style Chicken and Mutton Biryani
Awarded as UAE’s No. 1 biryani restaurant, Jaffer Bhai’s brings authentic Mumbai flavors to Dubai. Their biryanis feature long-grained rice infused with saffron, ghee, and caramelized onions, creating a distinctive taste that’s earned them a loyal following. The 1952 Gosht biryani, cooked in traditional dum style with hot charcoal, is particularly noteworthy.
Price: Moderate (AED 140 for two people)
Ideal For: Authentic Mumbai biryani experience, family dining
3. Student Biryani
Location: Located in Al Karama, Al Barsha, JVC, and Silicon Oasis
Specialty: Chicken and Mutton Biryani
With over five decades of heritage from Pakistan, Student Biryani has established itself as a go-to spot for authentic Pakistani biryani in Dubai. Their signature dish features fine long-grained rice, perfectly balanced spices, and tender meat, often accompanied by potatoes. The generous portions and affordable prices make it a popular choice.
Price: Budget-friendly (AED 75 for two people)
Ideal For: Quick meals, takeaway, authentic Pakistani flavors
4. Gazebo
Location: Many locations including Bur Dubai, Al Barsha, and City Centre malls.
Specialty: Murgh Zafrani Biryani, Murgh Nizami Biryani
Gazebo has pioneered the ‘Dum Pukht’ biryani in UAE, offering a premium biryani experience. Their signature dishes feature marinated and chargrilled meat pieces layered with saffron-infused rice and sealed in earthen pots. The result is an aromatic, flavorful biryani that justifies its slightly higher price point.
Price: Moderate to Premium (AED 130 for two people)
Ideal For: Special occasions, fine dining biryani experience
5. Calicut Paragon
Location: Al Karama and Al Nahda
Specialty: Malabar Chicken Dum Biryani
This award-winning restaurant brings authentic Malabar cuisine to Dubai. Their biryani stands out for its distinctive coastal flavors and cooking techniques. Each biryani order comes complete with raita, chutney, pickles, and payasam, offering a complete culinary experience that transports you to Kerala’s flavorful landscape.
Price: Moderate (AED 120 for two people)
Ideal For: Authentic South Indian biryani experience, family dining
6. Deccan Biryani
Location: Multiple locations including Al Karama, Al Nahda, and Deira.
Specialty: Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
Carrying a legacy dating back to 1931, Deccan Biryani brings authentic Hyderabadi cuisine to Dubai. Their biryani is prepared using quality ingredients and refined techniques passed down through generations. The result is a fragrant, flavorful dish that has earned them a loyal following among biryani connoisseurs.
Price: Moderate (AED 130 for two people)
Ideal For: Authentic Hyderabadi experience, family gatherings
7. Saif Restaurant
Location: Deira (Hor Al Anz), Al Nahda, and Oud Metha
Specialty: Hyderabadi Chicken 65 Biryani, Kalyani Beef Biryani
Saif Restaurant is a go-to spot for an acclaimed Hyderabadi dining experience in Dubai. With eight different biryani varieties, including unique options like Kalyani beef and Chicken 65 biryani, there’s something for every palate. The restaurant’s popularity means reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
Price: Budget-friendly (AED 70 for two people)
Ideal For: Biryani variety exploration, casual dining
8. Biryani Pot
Location: Located in Mirdif (and famously along Jumeirah Beach Road)
Specialty: Clay Pot Biryanis, Tikka Kebab Biryani
Biryani Pot offers a modern and fresh approach to biryani, serving their signature dishes in clay pots that enhance the earthly flavors. Their menu features innovative options like Tikka Kebab Biryani alongside traditional varieties. The restaurant welcomes guests with a complimentary welcome drink, setting the tone for a hospitable dining experience.
Price: Moderate (AED 90 for two people)
Ideal For: Modern biryani experience, casual dining with friends
9. Sthan
Location: Al Karama
Specialty: Nalli Biryani, Achari Biryani, Paneer Biryani
Sthan offers multiple cuisines including North Indian, Mughlai, and Pakistani, with a particular focus on innovative biryani varieties. Their menu features unique options like Nalli Biryani with juicy lamb shanks, Achari Biryani with pickle-infused flavors, and excellent vegetarian options like Paneer Biryani. The restaurant’s diverse menu makes it perfect for groups with varied preferences.
Price: Moderate (AED 155 for two people)
Ideal For: Biryani exploration, group dining
10. Behrouz Biryani
Location: Al Karama and Business Bay…
Specialty: Mutton Dum Pukht Shahi Biryani, Butter Chicken Biryani
Behrouz Biryani offers a royal feast inspired by Mughlai traditional cuisine. Their Persian-style biryani is garnished with chopped almonds and features indispensable spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The Hyderabadi chicken dum biryani, served with salan and raita, is particularly popular for its rich flavors and aromatic profile.
Price: Budget-friendly to Moderate (AED 70 for two people)
Ideal For: Royal biryani experience, takeaway, delivery
11. Arsalan
Location: Al Karama
Specialty: Kolkata Biryani, Mutton Lucknowi Biryani
Arsalan brings the distinctive taste of Kolkata biryani to Dubai. What sets their biryani apart is the inclusion of charcoal-grilled potato, a signature element of Kolkata-style biryani. The yellow-orange rice is infused with saffron, nutmeg, and kewra (rose water), creating a lighter, subtly sweet flavor profile that’s different from other regional styles.
Price: Moderate (AED 105 for two people)
Ideal For: Authentic Bengali biryani experience, family dining
12. Mister Biryani
Location: Deira
Specialty: Prawn Biryani, Fish Biryani, Squid Biryani
Mister Biryani stands out for its extensive seafood biryani options, a rarity in Dubai’s biryani scene. As the premier Hyderabadi restaurant in Dubai, they offer everything from sumptuous prawn, fish, and squid biryani to classics like Hyderabadi and chicken tikka biryani. Their seafood biryanis bring a coastal twist to the traditional Hyderabadi style.
Price: Budget-friendly (AED 40 for two people)
Ideal For: Seafood biryani lovers, budget dining
13. Bhai Kadai Biryani
Location: Al Karama and Al Barsha
Specialty: Mushroom Biryani, Malai Paneer Biryani, King Fish Biryani
Bhai Kadai Biryani is known as a one-stop shop for all types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryani in Dubai. Vegetarians will be delighted with unique options like Mushroom Biryani and Malai Paneer Biryani, while non-vegetarians can enjoy specialties like King Fish Biryani, Prawn Biryani, and Chicken 65 Biryani. Their perfect blend of spices and ingredients makes each variety distinctive.
Price: Moderate (AED 90 for two people)
Ideal For: Vegetarian biryani options, variety seekers
14. Silver Spoon Restaurant
Location: Sharjah (near Dubai)
Specialty: Hyderabadi Biryani, Sindhi Biryani
Silver Spoon Restaurant has earned awards for its exceptional biryani in Dubai. Their menu features over 15 varieties of biryani, including Hyderabadi Biryani, Sindhi Biryani, and various chicken and mutton options. Each dish showcases flavoursome rice with aromatic, succulent, and juicy meat that has earned them recognition in the competitive biryani scene.
Price: Budget-friendly (AED 40 for two people)
Ideal For: Budget dining, biryani variety exploration
15. Grub Shack
Location: Dubai Healthcare City (Al Khail Heights (Al Quoz)
Specialty: GS Special Biryanis (Chicken, Mutton, King)
Grub Shack brings Mumbai-Goan style biryani to Dubai in a casual eatery with live band performances during weekends. Their GS Special Biryanis come in chicken, mutton, or king varieties, each offering a unique coastal flavor profile. Pair your biryani with one of their signature drinks like Jack Frost, Mango & Chilli, or the popular Rangeela Cart for a complete experience.
Price: Premium (AED 180 for two people)
Ideal For: Weekend dining with entertainment, fusion biryani experience
16. Sahibs Banquet Kitchen
Location: Al Qusais (Cloud Kitchen / Delivery Only) Specialty: Lamb Biryani Combo (Chennai Wedding Style)
Specialty: Chennai Wedding-Style Lamb Biryani Combo, which is uniquely built around their signature “1.5 Measure of Protein” rule
A rising star in Dubai’s “Cloud Kitchen” scene, Sahibs Banquet Kitchen focuses on the niche but beloved Chennai-style dhum biryani. They are famous for their “1.5 Measure of Protein for 1 Measure of Rice” rule, ensuring you never hunt for meat in your meal. The biryani is slow-cooked and delivered in specialized packaging designed to hold heat for up to 3 hours, bringing the authentic South Indian “banquet” experience directly to your doorstep
Price: Mid-range (Approx. AED 110–120 for a 2-person combo) Ideal For: Large family gatherings, office lunches, and fans of authentic South Indian spices.
Ideal For: Weekend dining with entertainment, fusion biryani experience
Find the Best Biryani Near You
Use this map to locate the top biryani spots across Dubai. From Deira to Jumeirah, Al Karama to Al Barsha, these restaurants are spread throughout the city, ensuring you’re never too far from a delicious biryani experience.
Interactive map of Dubai’s top biryani restaurants
Practical Tips for Your Biryani Adventure
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday lunches (12:30-2:30 PM) are generally less crowded than weekends
- For dinner, arrive before 7:30 PM or after 9:30 PM to avoid peak hours
- During Ramadan, biryani restaurants are especially busy at iftar time
- Many restaurants offer lunch specials with better value during weekdays
Reservation Tips
- High-end establishments like Gazebo and Bombay Brasserie require reservations, especially on weekends
- For casual spots like Pak Liyari and Student Biryani, reservations aren’t necessary but helpful for large groups
- Some restaurants offer private dining areas for family gatherings – book these well in advance
- Many restaurants now accept online reservations through their websites or food apps
Cultural Notes
- Biryani is traditionally eaten with the right hand in South Asian culture
- It’s customary to mix the raita with a portion of your biryani rather than pouring it over the entire plate
- Many restaurants serve complimentary papad (crispy lentil wafers) before the main course
- Don’t be surprised if your biryani comes with a layer of dough on top – this is the “dum” seal that traps aromas during cooking
Must-Try Accompaniments
- Raita: Yogurt-based side dish that balances the spiciness of biryani
- Mirchi ka Salan: Spicy chili curry popular with Hyderabadi biryani
- Burhani Raita: Garlic-flavored yogurt that complements most biryani styles
- Kachumber: Fresh salad of chopped tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers
- Papad: Crispy lentil wafers that add texture contrast
Conclusion: Your Dubai Biryani Journey Begins
Dubai’s biryani landscape is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative fusion creations. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery spices of Sindhi biryani at Pak Liyari, the royal flavors of Behrouz, or the coastal notes of Calicut Paragon’s Malabar biryani, there’s a perfect plate waiting for you to discover.
Remember that biryani preferences are deeply personal – what one person considers the “best” might not align with another’s taste. This guide serves as your starting point for a delicious culinary adventure through Dubai’s biryani scene. We encourage you to explore beyond this list, as Dubai’s food landscape is constantly evolving with new restaurants and chefs bringing their unique biryani interpretations to the city.
From budget-friendly eateries to premium dining experiences, Dubai offers biryani for every occasion and budget. So gather your friends and family, bring your appetite, and embark on your own biryani journey through the vibrant flavors of Dubai.
Best Biryani in Dubai According to Reddit Users
Based on repeated mentions and upvotes in Reddit discussions, these are the most recommended places for authentic desi biryani in Dubai:
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For the “Authentic Karachi” Fix: Pak Liyari Widely considered the holy grail of Pakistani-style mutton biryani in Dubai. To truly “hit the spot,” Redditors recommend the Al Muteena (Deira) or Meena Bazaar branches and specifically suggest asking for “Double Masala” to ensure it isn’t too dry.
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The Hyderabadi Heavyweights: Rumaan & Tayeb Kitchen If the craving is for the spicy, aromatic spice-layering of Hyderabad, Rumaan Hyderabad (Oud Metha) and Tayeb Kitchen (Deira) are the most vouched-for. Tayeb’s Chicken 65 Biryani is a cult favorite for its unique texture and spice profile.
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The “Old School” Legends: Jaffer Bhai’s & Delhi Restaurant For a Bombay/Delhi style that feels like a wedding feast, Jaffer Bhai’s (Karama) is the go-to for many long-term residents, known for its consistent quality and rich mutton. Delhi Restaurant in Naif is another “hidden gem” for those willing to brave the busy streets for old-school flavor.
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The Malabari/South Indian Choice: Calicut Paragon For those who prefer a lighter, more fragrant rice (Jeerakasala) with the distinct umami of Kerala spices, Calicut Paragon in Karama remains the undisputed king of Malabar-style biryani.
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The “Secret” Favorite: Ritaj (Sharjah/Abu Dhabi) Though technically just outside Dubai, many Redditors swear that Ritaj serves the most authentic Hyderabadi biryani in the UAE—often worth the drive for a true connoisseur.
Related : 15 Best Shawarma Dubai : Top Spots You Can’t Miss
Disclaimer : The information in this post is for informational purposes only. Prices and details may change at the restaurant’s discretion. To respect intellectual property and avoid rights issues, some images in this post are AI-generated. These visuals are for illustrative purposes and may not be exact photographs of the food or venue.
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Great collection. Thanks for sharing.